Back pain is one of the most common complaints.
 An estimated eighty percent of us will have it for one reason or another at some point in our lives.
 There are things you can do to prevent it as well as natural remedies that could help you overcome it.
1) Heat and Ice;  If you have an injury, ice is going to be one of the most important components of treatment.
 Ice reduces swelling and can help ease pain.
 However, once the injury aspect is over and you begin activities again, you may want to use both.
Many physical therapists will have clients sit with a heating pad on the area to be worked with prior to the beginning of therapy.
 This warms the area without strenuous activity, which probably isn't possible.
 After the session is over, the therapists will use an ice pack to cause the cool down to take place.
2)  Lifting Techniques:  You can mess up a lot more than just your back if you don't lift things properly.
 Your arms, shoulders and knees may also pay a price.
 Never bend over at the waist to pick something up, as it can do a lot of harm.
 Bend at the knees and keep your back straight.
You should also be aware of your lifting limits.
 This limit is not how much you can actually lift, but how much you can safely lift.
 You may need the help of your doctor or athletic trainer to figure out what that is.
 Just because you can do something doesn't mean it's safe.
3)  Physical Therapy:  I am a great believer in physical therapy.
 Done properly, it can ease pain and make movement easier and more comfortable.
 One type that I find particularly useful is aquatic therapy.
 You have the resistance of the water as well as a lack of impact on injured or aching joints and bones.
4)  Proper Warm Ups:  As with lifting, proper warm ups and cool downs are important to prevent back pain.
 The length of this is determined in part by the length of time and intensity of the workout.
 Check with a trainer to make sure you can do it properly.
5)  Stretching:  This is both a preventative and a natural remedy for back pain.
 Getting the muscles limber can help prevent tears from occurring.
 Several types of stretches are also used in treatment.
 This is best handled by a chiropractor or other trained professional, particularly if you are using the inverse (upside down) sort of stretching.
6)  Topical Pain Relief:  A commercial preparation of capsaicin may come in handy when dealing with this problem.
 Be aware that it can cause burns, so test it on a small area of your body before using it wholesale.
 An extract of willow bark and gotu kola is another option, though don't use the willow if you are allergic to aspirin.
It is always wise to discuss any treatment plan, especially those involving supplements, with your doctor.
 Tell the doctor about any medical conditions and possible causes for the pain.
 Also mention any medications or supplements you use, in order to avoid side effects and drug/herb interactions.